I AM: Women's History Month - Christina Coughlin

Let us introduce you to Christina Coughlin, from our Jessup, MD team! Christina works in our Customer Service Department, where she manages a fast-moving team. Christina ensures that her department provides information regarding our products, services, and orders efficiently. Read below to learn more about her thoughts on Women’s History Month and her professional background.

Q: How long have you been in the distribution industry?

A: I have been in this industry for about 13 years.

Q: What is your favorite part of your field of work?

A: My favorite part is working as a team to help our customers solve their problems.

Q: Describe your career progression:

A: I started out working in a restaurant, got hired at Dade Paper (before we were Imperial Dade) as a CSR, then eventually got promoted to Customer Service Manager, where I am today.

Q: What do you like most about working at Imperial Dade?

A: I enjoy working with my coworkers/teammates and learning from each other.

Q: How do you support your team members and contribute to their growth and development?

A: I try to always be available for my team members and try to keep them in the loop as I also learn new things, so we continue to grow together.

Q: What does inclusivity mean to you?

A: Inclusivity means making room for everyone to feel welcome, respected, and valued.

Q: How can we create a more inclusive workplace?

A: I think one way is to make sure that everyone has a chance to voice their thoughts or concerns and be heard.

Q: What are some important lessons from Women’s history that we can apply today?

A: An important lesson from Women’s History, related to women’s rights, is that women need to continue to speak out, find allies (both women and men), and actively promote issues until change is attained.

Q: What is a moment in Women’s history that you wish more people knew about?

A: One moment in Women’s history happened in 1872 in New York. After many years working and campaigning for women to have the right to vote, Susan B. Anthony voted at a time when only men were legally allowed to vote. She was arrested, convicted at trial, and ordered to pay a fine. However, she didn’t pay that fine and the state didn’t take any additional action. She continued working to achieve the right to vote. In 1920, which was unfortunately after her death, the 19th amendment was passed granting women the right to vote in the US.

Q: Is there a female leader, past or present, who inspires you?

A female leader who inspires me is Greta Thunberg because she is an influential voice on the dangers of climate change. She has inspired her generation to get involved in minimizing climate change. This takes dedication and hard work.

Q: What does an inclusive workplace mean to you?

A: To me, an inclusive workplace means that leaders are open and receptive to hearing everyone’s opinions even if they don’t see eye to eye. Giving everyone an opportunity to speak and give their input. Also, making sure that everyone is treated as an equal.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

A: My favorite thing to do outside of work is to go to the beach or go out to eat.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would share with your younger self?

A: Learn to stop worrying about the things you cannot control.

Q: Favorite quote or mantra:

When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail